Hearts move ticked all the boxes for Mackay-Steven
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN insists that joining Hearts is the perfect move for him after admitting that he was not short of offers.
The winger sealed his return to Scotland late on Friday evening after penning a two-and-a-half-year contract at Tynecastle.
Mackay-Steven had been linked with a move back to Aberdeen, the club he left in summer 2019 to join MLS outfit New York City.
Even though Hearts are currently in the Championship, the 30-year-old insists the club’s stature, manager Robbie Neilson’s plan for the future and the prospect of playing in front of the passionate supporters convinced him that moving to Gorgie was the right option.
Mackay-Steven, who was a team-mate of Neilson’s at Dundee United, said: ‘It’s a great feeling, seeing the stadium and knowing that I’m a Hearts player. I can’t wait to get going.
‘Hearts got in contact with my agent and I’m just happy to be home, back in Scotland.
‘It was really a no-brainer once I heard from the manager and seeing his plan and vision for the club, and knowing how big a club it is.
‘There were some offers but I’d kind of known the manager. I spoke to him and he showed his plan for Hearts.
‘I also knew from playing here what the supporters are like, what the stadium is like and it’s an amazing place.
‘You want to be part of that. To have that opportunity now feels right. It’s a bit of everything.’
Mackay-Steven, a three-time league winner with Celtic, admits Neilson’s presence in the dugout was another factor in joining. He added: ‘I’d played alongside him briefly, and I’d been watching from afar.
‘I know he’s done a great job everywhere he’s been. He’s so knowledgeable, knows the game inside out and I saw him as a leader and manager. It’s no surprise he has done so well.
‘The opportunity to come in and work with him is a nice feeling and it’s a good fit being here at Hearts.’
Mackay-Steven left the Dons for the Big Apple 18 months ago and insists he loved his time on the other side of the Atlantic, despite the pandemic wreaking havoc last season.
The Scotland cap played in a total of 39 games and scored three goals.
‘It was brilliant, a great place to be,’ he said. ‘The football was also great, totally different from what I was used to.
‘Last year was different, as it was everywhere in the world with the pandemic.
‘But now I’m leaving one great city for another great city.
‘I’m looking forward to getting kick-started because I still feel I have so much to offer.’
Speaking to Hearts TV, he added: ‘I want to get integrated into the squad, get to know the boys and get Hearts promoted.
‘That’s everyone’s aim, to get back into the Premiership, that’s Hearts’ rightful place.
‘With the team here, there is no reason that we can’t kick on and win trophies.’